Vol. 469 No. 2
77 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to any variation in the price of medical gases paid by hospitals in Ireland as compared with Northern Ireland or Great Britain; the charges in the different jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17127/96]
Limerick East): Officers of my Department together with representatives of the voluntary hospitals and of the health boards have met the main supplier of medical gases to discuss prices here in comparison with Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
I am not convinced that price differentials are justified and a number of options are being considered at present — including the installation of oxygen concentrators on a pilot basis.
It should also be noted that the health agencies have been negotiating with the main supplier and have succeeded in obtaining significant cost reductions in this area.
